Tilapia Fish Tacos (Printable Version)
Crispy spiced tilapia with fresh slaw and zesty crema in warm tortillas. Ready in 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 1 lb tilapia fillets
02 - 1 tsp chili powder
03 - 1 tsp ground cumin
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
08 - 1 tbsp olive oil
09 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Slaw
10 - 2 cups shredded red or green cabbage
11 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
12 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
13 - 2 tbsp lime juice
14 - 1 tbsp olive oil
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Crema
16 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
17 - 1 tbsp lime juice
18 - 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
19 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Tortillas
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
→ For Serving
21 - Sliced avocado
22 - Fresh cilantro leaves
23 - Lime wedges
# Method:
01 - Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of fillets. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, coating thoroughly.
02 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place seasoned fillets in pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes, then flake into bite-sized pieces.
03 - Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro in a large bowl. Add lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until vegetables are evenly coated.
04 - Whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce if using, and salt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable. Alternatively, microwave stacked tortillas wrapped in damp paper towels for 30 seconds.
06 - Layer a generous portion of slaw onto each warm tortilla. Top with seasoned tilapia pieces. Drizzle with crema. Garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
07 - Arrange tacos on a serving platter with extra lime wedges on the side. Serve immediately while tortillas are warm and fish is hot.
# Chef's Tips:
01 -
- Everything comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking
- The spice rub gives the tilapia this gorgeous golden crust that people will ask about
02 -
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the fish, work in batches if needed so each piece gets proper contact with the heat
- The slaw can sit for up to an hour dressed, but the crema should stay cold until the very last minute
03 -
- Dry your fish thoroughly before seasoning, water creates steam and prevents proper browning
- Let the fish rest for a couple minutes after cooking so it does not fall apart completely when you flake it